Quick Answer
Yes, Yancey Bros. Co. hires people with felony convictions case-by-case. As Georgia's exclusive Caterpillar equipment dealer since 1914 with 16 locations, Yancey Bros offers skilled trades employment:
Heavy Equipment Technician: $22-35/hour (diesel mechanics, CAT equipment repair)
Shop Laborer/Helper: $18-28/hour (entry-level, assisting technicians, learning trade)
Parts Counter Associate: $16-24/hour (parts sales, inventory, customer service)
Warehouse Associate: $15-21/hour (parts warehouse, forklift, material handling)
Career Path: Shop Helper → Technician → Master Technician ($50k-$75k+)
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About Yancey Bros. Co.
Yancey Bros. Co. is Georgia's exclusive Caterpillar heavy equipment dealer established in 1914 with 16 locations across Georgia (Atlanta metro, Macon, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, and other cities) employing approximately 850 workers. Yancey Bros sells, rents, and services Caterpillar heavy equipment including bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, skid steers, plus diesel engines and power generation systems for construction, mining, forestry, and industrial customers. As a Caterpillar dealer and heavy equipment service provider, Yancey Bros offers accessible employment for people with criminal records due to critical skilled trades shortage (diesel technicians, heavy equipment mechanics) affecting equipment dealer industry, case-by-case hiring evaluation prioritizing technical skills and mechanical aptitude, behind-the-scenes shop work repairing equipment, technical certifications and training valued over backgrounds, apprenticeship and helper programs providing entry into skilled trades, union representation at some locations providing job protections, and pathway from entry-level shop helper to certified Caterpillar technician earning $50k-$75k+ annually in 2025.
Why Yancey Bros Is Accessible for Felons:
Severe diesel mechanic shortage - Critical nationwide shortage of qualified heavy equipment technicians
16 Georgia locations - Apply to multiple Yancey Bros facilities (Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Conley, Forest Park, Hoschton, other cities)
Behind-the-scenes shop work - Equipment repair bays, mechanical work, not customer-facing
Entry-level helper positions - Shop Laborer roles require no experience, learn trade on job
Technical skills valued - Mechanical aptitude, welding, hydraulics expertise matter more than background
Caterpillar training provided - Advance to certified CAT technician through company training
Case-by-case evaluation - Individual assessment, not automatic rejection policies
Union representation - Some Yancey Bros locations unionized with job protections
High-paying skilled trades - Master Technicians earn $30-45/hour ($60k-$90k)
Career advancement culture - Promote shop helpers to technicians regularly
Does Yancey Bros. Co. Hire People with Felonies?
Yancey Bros Hiring Approach (2025): Yancey Bros. Co. evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case following heavy equipment dealer industry standards that prioritize mechanical skills, technical aptitude, work ethic, and reliability over criminal backgrounds for skilled trades and shop positions. Yancey Bros faces critical shortage of qualified diesel mechanics and heavy equipment technicians affecting entire Caterpillar dealer network nationally, creating more accessible hiring for people with records willing to learn skilled trades. Shop managers and service managers have discretion in hiring decisions, particularly for entry-level shop laborer and helper positions where candidates demonstrate mechanical interest and physical capability. Many people with various felonies work successfully at Yancey Bros across technician, shop helper, parts, warehouse, and field service positions. Technical certifications (diesel mechanic training, welding, hydraulics) and relevant experience significantly increase hiring odds regardless of criminal background in 2025.
What Yancey Bros Considers:
Mechanical aptitude and technical skills (diesel, hydraulics, electrical systems)
Time since conviction (3-5+ years better but flexible for skilled trades shortage)
Nature of conviction (theft faces scrutiny with expensive equipment/parts access)
Position type (shop helper most accessible, field service needs clean driving record)
Willingness to learn heavy equipment repair (critical for helper advancement)
Technical training or certifications (diesel mechanic school, military experience)
Work ethic and reliability (equipment downtime costs customers thousands per day)
Physical capability for heavy mechanical work
Most Accessible Yancey Bros Positions: Shop Laborer/Helper (no experience, learn trade), Parts Warehouse Associate, Maintenance Technician Apprentice, Equipment Washer/Detailer, Material Handler, Forklift Operator (with certification)
What Convictions Are Accepted: Non-violent felonies (widely acceptable for shop positions), drug convictions if time elapsed (3-5+ years) and sobriety maintained, property crimes evaluated case-by-case, DUI/traffic violations (acceptable for non-driving shop positions), assault convictions depending on circumstances and time elapsed
What Faces Scrutiny: Theft and fraud (expensive CAT equipment and parts worth tens of thousands), recent violence (workplace safety with heavy machinery and tools), active warrants, DUI within 3-5 years for field service technician positions requiring company vehicle driving
Yancey Bros Application Strategy: Target Shop Laborer/Helper position first (easiest entry, no experience required, learn heavy equipment mechanics on job). Get diesel mechanic training BEFORE applying if possible (technical schools, community colleges, military) to dramatically increase value and hiring odds. Emphasize mechanical interest and physical capability. Apply to multiple Yancey Bros locations across Georgia (16 facilities). Highlight any mechanical, welding, automotive, or equipment experience. "I'm mechanically inclined and want career in heavy equipment repair" resonates with skilled trades shortage. Consider Caterpillar dealer competitors if needed: United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, other equipment dealers and rental companies.
Yancey Bros. Co. Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)
Shop Laborer / Technician Helper
Pay: $18-28/hour ($37,000-$58,000/year)
Assisting heavy equipment technicians with repairs and maintenance on Caterpillar equipment, learning diesel mechanics and hydraulic systems through hands-on work, moving equipment and parts throughout shop, cleaning and organizing work bays, operating hand tools and basic equipment, supporting technicians with physical labor, learning to read technical manuals and schematics, pathway to technician apprenticeship.
Why MOST Accessible: Entry-level position requiring NO experience or certifications, learn heavy equipment mechanics trade on job through apprenticeship-style training, behind-the-scenes shop work repairing CAT equipment, physical demanding work (lifting heavy parts, working on large equipment), prove mechanical aptitude and reliability over 6-12 months to advance into technician apprenticeship program, clear pathway from $18/hour helper to $30-45/hour master technician over 3-5 years, skilled trades shortage makes helper positions accessible for people with records willing to learn.
Heavy Equipment Technician / Diesel Mechanic
Pay: $22-35/hour ($46,000-$73,000/year) + overtime common
Diagnosing and repairing Caterpillar heavy equipment including engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and components, performing preventive maintenance and inspections, troubleshooting equipment breakdowns, welding and fabricating repairs, using diagnostic computers and tools, reading technical schematics and service manuals, maintaining shop equipment and tools, documenting repairs and service.
Requirements: Diesel mechanic experience or training preferred (technical school, community college, military), mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, ability to use diagnostic equipment and computers, physical capability for heavy mechanical work.
Why Accessible: CRITICAL shortage of qualified heavy equipment technicians nationwide creates hiring urgency, technical skills and mechanical ability valued FAR more than criminal background, behind-the-scenes shop repair work, Caterpillar provides training and certification programs, advance to senior technician or master technician ($30-45/hour, $60k-$90k), case-by-case evaluation with technical skills prioritized, many technicians have criminal records and successful careers.
Parts Counter Associate / Parts Salesperson
Pay: $16-24/hour ($33,000-$50,000/year) + commission potential
Working at Yancey Bros parts counter serving customers needing Caterpillar parts and components, looking up parts using computer systems and catalogs, processing orders and invoices, maintaining parts inventory and organization, providing technical parts information to customers, coordinating with warehouse and technicians, customer service and sales support.
Requirements: Customer service skills, computer proficiency, learning parts systems (training provided), professional communication.
Why Accessible: Customer-facing but B2B commercial customers (construction companies, contractors) rather than general public, parts knowledge developed through on-job training, computer systems and organizational skills, commission opportunities increase earnings, advance to parts manager or outside parts sales ($40k-$60k), case-by-case evaluation with customer service experience valued.
Parts Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)
Working in Yancey Bros parts warehouse receiving, organizing, and distributing Caterpillar parts and components, operating forklifts moving heavy equipment parts, maintaining inventory accuracy using warehouse management systems, picking and packing orders, loading and unloading trucks, supporting parts counter with timely parts retrieval, organizing warehouse and storage areas.
Requirements: Physical capability for lifting and moving heavy parts, forklift certification helpful (may be provided), organizational skills.
Why Accessible: Behind-the-scenes warehouse operations handling parts inventory, straightforward material handling and organization work, forklift operation opportunity (certification provided), physical labor-focused, supports parts and service operations, case-by-case evaluation, advance to warehouse lead or inventory specialist.
Equipment Washer / Detailer
Pay: $14-20/hour ($29,000-$42,000/year)
Washing and cleaning rental and serviced Caterpillar equipment, operating pressure washers and cleaning equipment, detailing equipment for customer delivery or sale, maintaining shop cleanliness and organization, supporting shop operations with equipment movement and preparation, basic maintenance tasks as trained.
Why Highly Accessible: Entry-level position requiring minimal skills, straightforward cleaning and detailing work, behind-the-scenes equipment preparation, physical outdoor work, gateway into equipment dealer employment, prove reliability to advance to shop helper or warehouse positions, least technical requirements of all Yancey Bros positions.
Field Service Technician (Mobile Mechanic)
Pay: $26-40/hour ($54,000-$83,000/year) + mileage and per diem
Traveling to customer job sites repairing Caterpillar equipment on-location, diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment problems in field, performing repairs and maintenance at construction sites, mines, and customer facilities, working independently managing service calls, using company service truck with tools and parts, documenting service work and customer interactions.
Requirements: Heavy equipment technician experience and skills, valid driver's license with CLEAN driving record (DUI within 3-5 years typically disqualifies), ability to work independently, customer interaction skills, company provides service truck.
Why Accessible (With Clean Driving Record): Higher pay than shop technicians ($26-40/hr vs $22-35/hr) due to field work, technical diesel mechanic skills prioritized, clean driving record CRITICAL (company truck, insurance requirements), non-traffic criminal record secondary to driving history and technical ability, advance to senior field tech or service coordinator, case-by-case evaluation if driving record clean.
Rental Coordinator / Equipment Dispatcher
Pay: $17-25/hour ($35,000-$52,000/year)
Coordinating Caterpillar equipment rentals with customers, scheduling equipment deliveries and pickups, managing rental fleet availability and utilization, processing rental contracts and documentation, customer service and problem-solving, coordinating with truck drivers and technicians, using rental management software systems.
Requirements: Customer service and organizational skills, computer proficiency, communication ability, problem-solving.
Why Accessible: Office-based coordination and customer service role, B2B commercial customers (construction companies) not general public, organizational and computer skills developed through training, rental industry experience valued, advance to rental manager or sales, case-by-case evaluation.
Truck Driver / Equipment Hauler
Pay: $20-30/hour ($42,000-$62,000/year) + overtime
Driving lowboy trailers hauling Caterpillar heavy equipment to customer job sites and between Yancey Bros locations, securing and transporting bulldozers, excavators, and large equipment safely, coordinating deliveries with customers and rental coordinators, conducting pre-trip and post-trip truck inspections, maintaining DOT compliance and driving logs.
Requirements: Class A CDL with clean driving record (no DUI within 3-5 years, minimal violations), lowboy or heavy haul experience helpful, DOT medical card, ability to safely secure heavy equipment.
Why Accessible (With Clean Driving Record & CDL): CDL driver shortage creates hiring accessibility, clean driving record MORE important than criminal background, lowboy hauling specialized skill, non-traffic felonies acceptable with clean driving history, high demand for equipment haulers, case-by-case evaluation prioritizing driving record.
Welding/Fabrication Technician
Pay: $22-34/hour ($46,000-$71,000/year)
Welding and fabricating repairs on heavy equipment components, modifying and customizing equipment attachments, structural welding on CAT equipment, reading welding blueprints and specifications, operating welding equipment (MIG, TIG, stick welding), fabricating parts and brackets, maintaining welding equipment and shop.
Requirements: Welding certification (AWS or equivalent) or significant welding experience, ability to read blueprints, welding skills on heavy steel and equipment.
Why Accessible: Welder shortage nationwide including equipment repair industry, welding certification demonstrates technical skill and commitment, behind-the-scenes fabrication and repair work, technical trade with high demand, advance to lead welder or welding supervisor, case-by-case evaluation with welding skills highly valued.
Service Manager / Shop Supervisor
Pay: $55,000-$85,000/year salary
Supervising heavy equipment technicians and shop operations, managing service department workflow and schedules, ensuring quality repairs and customer satisfaction, training and developing technician staff, coordinating with parts and rental departments, maintaining shop safety and efficiency, managing service budgets and metrics, reporting to branch management.
Requirements: Typically 5-7 years heavy equipment technician experience at Yancey Bros or Caterpillar dealer, proven leadership and management skills, comprehensive knowledge of CAT equipment and diesel mechanics, customer service orientation.
Why Accessible: Yancey Bros promotes experienced technicians to supervision regardless of background, criminal record does NOT prevent advancement with strong technical performance and leadership ability over time, many current service managers started as shop helpers with criminal records and proved dedication through years of excellent work, technical expertise and management skills determine promotions not background.
Yancey Bros Background Check: What to Expect
Background Check Process (2025): Yancey Bros conducts background checks after conditional job offer. Background checks typically review 7-year criminal history (state-dependent). Yancey Bros evaluates convictions case-by-case considering time since conviction, nature of offense, position requirements (driving record for field service and truck drivers), and rehabilitation. Skilled trades shortage creates more flexible evaluation for shop and technician positions. Theft and fraud face most scrutiny due to expensive Caterpillar equipment (bulldozers worth $200k-$500k+) and parts inventory access. Field service technician positions require clean driving record for company vehicle and insurance.
Timeline: Background check 3-7 business days typically. Some positions may hire pending background check for urgent skilled trades needs.
What May Disqualify: Theft and fraud (expensive equipment and parts access), recent violence (shop safety with heavy machinery and power tools), DUI within 3-5 years for driving positions (field service tech, truck driver), active warrants
Driving Record Requirements (Field Service, Truck Driver Positions):
No DUI/DWI within 3-5 years (automatic disqualification for company vehicle positions)
No reckless driving within 2-3 years
Clean driving record with minimal moving violations
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required for truck drivers with clean MVR
Non-traffic criminal record secondary to driving history for mobile positions
Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing required for all Yancey Bros positions in 2025 (safety-sensitive work with heavy equipment, power tools, and machinery). Random drug testing during employment standard for safety compliance. Zero-tolerance for positive results. Must maintain complete sobriety to work at equipment dealer with heavy machinery. DOT drug testing requirements for CDL truck driver positions.
How to Get Hired at Yancey Bros with a Felony (Step-by-Step)
Target Shop Laborer/Helper Position FIRST
Shop Laborer/Helper easiest Yancey Bros entry point requires NO experience or certifications, learn heavy equipment mechanics on job through hands-on apprenticeship-style training. Apply for helper positions at all 16 Yancey Bros Georgia locations. Prove mechanical aptitude and reliability over 6-12 months, advance into technician apprenticeship earning $22-35/hour.
Get Diesel Mechanic Training BEFORE Applying (Huge Advantage)
Diesel mechanic training from technical school, community college, or military dramatically increases hiring odds and starting pay. 6-month to 2-year diesel technology programs cost $3,000-$15,000 and make you HIGHLY valuable with critical technician shortage. Certified diesel mechanics with criminal records get hired readily at equipment dealers.
Highlight Any Mechanical Experience
Emphasize: automotive repair, welding, construction equipment operation, military mechanic experience (excellent for equipment dealers), industrial maintenance, HVAC, plumbing, electrical ALL relevant to heavy equipment mechanics. "I've worked on [cars/trucks/machinery] and understand mechanical systems" demonstrates transferable skills.
Apply to All 16 Yancey Bros Locations
Apply to EVERY Yancey Bros facility across Georgia: Atlanta (multiple), Macon, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Conley, Forest Park, Hoschton, other locations. Manager discretion varies by location one may decline while another hires. Cast wide net across all Georgia branches.
Emphasize Mechanical Interest and Learning
"I'm mechanically inclined and want to learn heavy equipment repair as career" resonates with service managers facing technician shortage. Willingness to start as helper and learn demonstrates commitment. Yancey Bros invests in training helpers who show aptitude and dedication.
Show Physical Capability for Heavy Work
"I'm physically capable of demanding mechanical work—lifting heavy parts, working on large equipment all day" important. Heavy equipment repair requires strength, stamina, working in heat/cold, crawling under machines. Physical capability critical for shop positions.
Get Welding Certification (Another Valuable Skill)
Welding certification (AWS or community college welding program) increases employment value significantly. Equipment repair requires welding skills. Certified welders with criminal records hired readily at Caterpillar dealers due to welder shortage.
Be Honest About Criminal Background
If asked about convictions during interview, honest brief explanation: "I have [type] conviction from [year], completed requirements, focused on building mechanical career. I'm committed to proving myself through reliable performance and learning heavy equipment repair."
Clean Driving Record Critical for Field Positions
If targeting Field Service Technician (highest pay $26-40/hr), MUST have clean driving record no DUI within 3-5 years. Non-traffic criminal record acceptable with clean driving history. If recent DUI, target shop positions until driving record clean.
Pass Pre-Employment Drug Test
Drug testing required at Yancey Bros (heavy equipment safety). Must be clean to pass screening. Random testing during employment. Focus on sobriety before applying to skilled trades positions.
Consider Other Caterpillar Dealers
If Yancey Bros doesn't work out, apply to: Thompson Tractor (Alabama CAT dealer), MacAllister Machinery (Indiana CAT dealer), Wagner Equipment (Colorado CAT dealer), Carolina Cat (North/South Carolina dealer) entire CAT dealer network faces same technician shortage.
Apply to Equipment Rental Companies (Alternative)
United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, Hertz Equipment Rental all need mechanics and have similar accessibility. Equipment rental industry faces identical diesel mechanic shortage with case-by-case hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Yancey Bros hire convicted felons?
Yes, Yancey Bros hires people with felony convictions case-by-case in 2025. Heavy equipment dealer skilled trades shortage creates accessible hiring. Shop Laborer/Helper ($18-28/hr) most accessible entry requiring no experience, Heavy Equipment Technician ($22-35/hr) if you have diesel mechanic training, Parts Warehouse ($15-21/hr). Non-violent felonies widely accepted. Theft faces scrutiny (expensive CAT equipment and parts). Apply to 16 Yancey Bros Georgia locations. Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn valued over background.
Will Yancey Bros hire me with a felony?
Likely depending on conviction type, time elapsed, and position in 2025. Non-violent felonies widely acceptable for shop and technician roles. Drug convictions acceptable with time (3-5+ years) and sobriety. Start with Shop Laborer/Helper (no experience required, learn on job). Theft and fraud face most scrutiny with expensive equipment access. Get diesel mechanic training before applying to dramatically increase hiring odds. Technician shortage creates accessibility. Apply to multiple Yancey Bros locations across Georgia.
What is the most accessible Yancey Bros position?
Shop Laborer/Technician Helper at $18-28/hour assisting heavy equipment technicians with repairs, learning diesel mechanics and hydraulics on job, no experience or certifications required, behind-the-scenes shop work on CAT equipment, physical demanding mechanical work, prove aptitude over 6-12 months to advance into technician apprenticeship earning $22-35/hour, pathway to master technician ($30-45/hr, $60k-$90k), easiest Yancey Bros entry for people with records.
Can you work at Yancey Bros with a theft conviction?
Difficult but potentially case-by-case depending on theft circumstances and time elapsed in 2025. Theft faces scrutiny at equipment dealers due to expensive Caterpillar equipment (bulldozers $200k-$500k) and valuable parts inventory. Very old theft (10+ years) with restitution completed and rehabilitation demonstrated may be considered for shop helper positions. Recent theft very difficult. Be honest during application—explain circumstances, restitution, and rehabilitation. Consider alternative employers if theft conviction within 5 years.
How far back does Yancey Bros background check go?
Typically 7 years for criminal history in most states in 2025 (some states limit background checks to 7 years by law). Field service and truck driver positions check Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) reviewing 3-5 years driving history for DUI and violations. Yancey Bros evaluates case-by-case considering time, rehabilitation, and position. Older convictions (7-10+ years) more acceptable than recent. Skilled trades shortage creates flexibility for technical positions.
Does Yancey Bros automatically reject felons?
No, Yancey Bros does not automatically reject people with felonies—case-by-case evaluation in 2025. Diesel mechanic and technician shortage creates hiring flexibility. Physical capability, mechanical aptitude, technical skills, and work ethic matter most. Theft and fraud face most scrutiny but not automatic rejection. Violence evaluated based on circumstances and time. Clean driving record critical for field service positions. Technical training significantly increases hiring regardless of background.
Can you work at Yancey Bros while on probation or parole?
Yes if hired. Some Yancey Bros technicians and shop workers manage probation/parole alongside employment in 2025. Shop schedules typically Monday-Friday daytime with some Saturday overtime. Be upfront about PO appointments after hired. Stable skilled trades employment ($37k-$73k depending on position) and career advancement demonstrate rehabilitation. Equipment dealer jobs increasingly common for people on supervision.
Does Yancey Bros drug test?
Yes, pre-employment drug testing required for all positions in 2025 (safety-sensitive work with heavy equipment, power tools, machinery). Random drug testing during employment standard. DOT drug testing for CDL truck drivers. Zero-tolerance for positive results—termination. Must maintain complete sobriety to work at equipment dealer. If cannot pass drug test, focus on achieving sobriety before applying to skilled trades.
Can felons advance at Yancey Bros?
Yes, Yancey Bros promotes based on technical skills and performance regardless of criminal background in 2025. Many Service Managers ($55k-$85k) started as shop helpers with felonies and advanced through technician ranks over 5-7 years. Career path: Shop Helper ($18-28/hr) → Technician ($22-35/hr) → Senior/Master Technician ($30-45/hr) → Service Manager ($55k-$85k). Technical expertise, Caterpillar certifications, reliability, and leadership determine promotions not background.
Is Yancey Bros felon-friendly?
Generally yes with case-by-case evaluation in 2025. Skilled trades shortage (diesel mechanics, technicians) creates accessible hiring for people with mechanical aptitude. Shop Laborer ($18-28/hr) accessible entry point. Non-violent felonies widely accepted. Theft faces scrutiny with expensive equipment. Apply to 16 Georgia locations. Technical training dramatically increases odds. Behind-the-scenes shop work. Career advancement realistic ($37k to $60k-$90k over 3-7 years). More accessible than many industries for technical trades.
What benefits does Yancey Bros offer?
Yancey Bros offers health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for full-time employees, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off and holidays, Caterpillar training and certification programs (valuable technical credentials), tool allowances for technicians, overtime opportunities in shop, company-provided service trucks for field techs, career advancement opportunities, union representation at some locations with job protections, and competitive skilled trades wages ($37k-$90k range depending on position and experience).
How long is Yancey Bros hiring process?
Yancey Bros hiring process varies by position in 2025. Shop Laborer and warehouse: online application at yanceybros.com → phone screen (1-2 weeks) → in-person interview (1-2 weeks) → skills assessment (basic mechanical aptitude test) → conditional offer → background check and drug test (3-7 days) → start (4-6 weeks total typical). Technician positions may require technical testing and longer evaluation. Skilled trades shortage can speed process for qualified candidates.
Similar Heavy Equipment Dealers & Rental Companies
Caterpillar Dealers (Similar to Yancey Bros):
Thompson Tractor (Alabama CAT dealer, 21 locations)
Carolina Cat (North/South Carolina CAT dealer, 20+ locations)
MacAllister Machinery (Indiana CAT dealer, 20+ locations)
Blanchard Machinery (South Carolina CAT dealer, 9 locations)
Wagner Equipment (Colorado CAT dealer, 10+ locations)
Gregory Poole (North Carolina CAT dealer, 15+ locations)
Equipment Rental Companies (Also Accessible):
United Rentals (1,200+ locations nationwide, mechanics $20-35/hr, VERY accessible)
Sunbelt Rentals (800+ locations, mechanics $20-32/hr, accessible)
Hertz Equipment Rental (200+ locations, mechanics $18-30/hr)
HERC Rentals (240+ locations, mechanics $20-32/hr)
Other Heavy Equipment Dealers:
Komatsu dealers (heavy equipment similar to CAT)
John Deere Construction dealers (equipment and mechanics)
Volvo Construction Equipment dealers
Case Construction dealers
Bobcat dealers (compact equipment)
Why Equipment Dealer Industry Accessible:
Critical diesel mechanic shortage nationwide
Behind-the-scenes shop repair work
Technical skills valued over backgrounds
Entry-level helper positions available
Apprenticeship and training programs
High-paying skilled trades ($40k-$90k)
Case-by-case evaluation standard
Union representation at some dealers
Final Thoughts
Yancey Bros. Co. offers accessible employment for people with felonies through case-by-case evaluation in heavy equipment dealer industry experiencing critical diesel mechanic shortage. Shop Laborer/Technician Helper ($18-28/hour) represents most accessible entry point with no experience required, learning heavy equipment mechanics on job through hands-on apprenticeship-style training, behind-the-scenes shop work on Caterpillar equipment, and clear pathway to certified technician earning $22-35/hour within 1-2 years. Heavy Equipment Technician positions ($22-35/hour) accessible for people with diesel mechanic training or experience despite criminal records due to severe technician shortage nationwide. Parts Warehouse ($15-21/hour) provides alternative accessible entry. Career advancement realistic and common at Yancey Bros: Shop Helper → Technician → Master Technician ($30-45/hour, $60k-$90k) → Service Manager ($55k-$85k) over 3-7 years based purely on technical skills and performance. Apply to all 16 Yancey Bros locations across Georgia for maximum opportunities. Getting diesel mechanic training BEFORE applying dramatically increases hiring odds and starting pay. Non-violent felonies widely accepted. Theft faces scrutiny with expensive equipment but case-by-case evaluation possible.
Key Takeaways for 2025:
Yancey Bros generally felon-friendly with case-by-case evaluation
Shop Laborer/Helper $18-28/hour MOST accessible (no experience, learn on job)
Heavy Equipment Technician $22-35/hour (if you have diesel mechanic training/experience)
Get diesel mechanic training FIRST for huge hiring advantage (technical shortage)
16 Georgia locations—apply to ALL for maximum opportunities
Non-violent felonies widely accepted, theft faces scrutiny (expensive equipment)
Behind-the-scenes shop work repairing Caterpillar heavy equipment
Career path: Helper → Technician → Master Tech ($60k-$90k) over 3-7 years
Field Service Technician $26-40/hour requires clean driving record
Mechanical aptitude and physical capability valued highly • Pre-employment drug testing required must pass to get hired
Welding certification another valuable skill increasing hiring odds
Apply to Caterpillar dealers, United Rentals, Sunbelt if Yancey Bros doesn't work
Technical skills matter FAR more than criminal background for skilled trades
Does Yancey Bros. Co. Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
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